Budget Friendly iPhone Could be Unveiled September 10

If you’re looking for a budget friendly smartphone but are more comfortable with one of the leading brands in the industry, a solution could be coming as early as September 10.

That’s the date scheduled for a big announcement by smartphone and tablet industry leader Apple Inc. Certainly Apple has not been known for affordable technology in the past.

After all, currently the Apple iPhone 5 without contract or subsidies retails for more than $600.00 on sites like Amazon.

However, rumors have been swirling for some time about a new low-cost iPhone retailing as low as $99 or as high as $300, the iPhone 5C. Photos were leaked recently on SonnyDickenson.com, an industry website. They show what appear to be the plastic casings of the new phones in white, red, green, blue, and yellow.

Media sources like AllThingsD are speculating Apple will use the September 10 event to announce the iPhone 5C.

Reasons Your Business May Want a Budget iPhone 5C

Budget conscious small business owners and entrepreneurs may choose the new budget iPhone for many reasons:

Despite the price and the plastic casing, this is still an iPhone, of course, and so will likely have some of the same features.

If the phone is truly priced as low as $99, it blows away even Samsung’s budget devices. If in the $300 range, it is still quite competitive.

While less expensive, a new smartphone with a Firefox operating system from Chinese manufacturer ZTE could increase the risk of malware. Experts say this is because the Firefox operating system will make it easier to download apps directly from the Web instead of from more secure sources like the Apple Store.

Apple’s customer service is legendary with replacement programs for defective products and service at your nearest Apple retailer. It’s uncertain if ZTE, which plans to sell the Firefox phone over the Internet, will have the same service in place.

If your company already uses other Apple products like the iMac or MacBook Pro, another tool using the same operating system might be preferable. And the low price may make the option irresistible.

Joshua Sophy is the Assistant Editor for Small Business Trends and the Head of Content Partnerships. A journalist with 17 years of experience in traditional and online media, Joshua got his start in the newspaper business in Pennsylvania. His experience includes being a beat reporter covering daily news. He eventually founded his own local newspaper, the Pottsville Free Press, covering his hometown. Joshua supervises the day-to-day operations of Small Business Trends' busy editorial department including the editorial calendar and outgoing assignments.

12 Reactions

I have the most basic of phones as I’m only really interested in making/receiving calls and texts (texts more than calls really). However, I wouldn’t say no to a smartphone at some point. The iPhone 5C might be it for me because I’m not looking to have all the bells and whistles.

While this can help Apple capture another market, it can take out the old exclusivity of their other phone models – which may bring down the overall value of their phones. Let’s face it. It thrives on exclusivity. But I guess it will not hurt if you let more people use it as that is the goal of Apple.

I hear you. Can definitely see what you’re saying re: affecting the overall phone range value. However, in general, I think it’ll mean more money for Apple. And I guess if it proves not to be profitable, they won’t produce future versions.

I think competitors will follow suit. Either that or they’ll keep a watchful eye on how things go for Apple, then follow suit. What company in that market wouldn’t want a piece of that new pie if things take off for Apple?

If rumors about the price range of iPhone 5c as mentioned in this article is correct, then I believe it’s going to something extraordinary. Many ordinary people want to have an iPhone, but due to its high price they can’t afford it. So this new iPhone 5c is going to have their dreams come true if it’s set at an affordable price range.

I am not sure that this is a wise decision of Apple. It could dilute the premium brand recognition, but it could work fine as it is did with the iPad mini. I started out with an iPhone 3GS and have now a 4S. I got the phone for “free” with a 2 year contract.

Is the phone still locked with an operator, or could you pay as you go and charge your phone card? If so, it will be perfect for the members of the older generation who don’t do so many calls, but want to have a user-friendly phone.

I guess they’re looking to cater to a wider market. I’m not sure it’ll do their premium brand much harm. And even if it does, I admire them for giving it a go; they’ll never know unless they try it out.

Whether it’s PAYG or contract: I’d like to know that too. Are all iPhones tied to a contract anyway? (I’ve never had a smartphone so I don’t know)

I agree with that Apple should try new things as long as they have their “why” still in place. My introduction to the Mac world was an iPhone and I think that this new “cheap” phone could be a great way for attracting new customers, especially members of the older generation.

You could get an iPhone that is not tied to a contract, but the common thing is that is bundled with a mobile operator. I haven’t seen that you could buy an iPhone in a store focus only on Apple products (here in Gothenburg, Sweden), but I can have missed that section.

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